DNA Caffeine Sensitivity Test
$149.00
Ever wonder if you need to cut back your caffeine intake? Discover whether you are a fast or slow caffeine metabolizer with the DNA Caffeine Sensitivity Test.
- Genetic variants in the CYP1A2 gene
- “Slow” metabolizers are at increased risk of heart attacks and hypertension
- Quick and painless sample collection
- 100% private and confidential online results
DESCRIPTION
Not everyone is affected equally by caffeine. Caffeine sensitivity depends on an individual’s ability to metabolize caffeine, which can vary based on genetics. Some people are “fast” caffeine metabolizers and can clear caffeine from their bodies quickly, while others are “slow” metabolizers and take longer to clear caffeine.
The longer caffeine remains in the bloodstream, the greater the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) or a heart attack. Drinking more than three cups of coffee per day can increase the risk of these conditions by:
- 2- to 4-fold for a heart attack in slow metabolizers
- 3-fold for hypertension in slow metabolizers
You can take a simple genetic test to determine whether caffeine consumption may be adversely affecting your health.
THE GENETICS
Close to 95% of the caffeine in the body is broken down by the CYP1A2 enzyme.
There are two common genetic variants of this enzyme – a “fast” metabolizer variant and a “slow” metabolizer variant.
The “slow” caffeine metabolizer variant
Close to 95% of the caffeine in the body is broken down by the CYP1A2 enzyme.
There are two common genetic variants of this enzyme – a “fast” metabolizer variant and a “slow” metabolizer variant.
The “slow” genetic variant is associated with lower levels of the CYP1A2 enzyme and a slower rate of caffeine breakdown. People who inherit the “slow” variant take longer to clear caffeine from their body.
The longer the caffeine stays in circulation, the higher the risk of heart problems and hypertension. Reduced caffeine consumption is recommended for “slow” metabolizers.
EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE
Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. But, unlike other drugs that affect the brain, it’s legal, unregulated, and is available in many different forms.
Once in our bodies, caffeine will
- bind to receptors on the surface of nerve cells increasing their activity
- stimulate the pituitary glad to release hormones
- prompt the adrenal glands to make the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline
Caffeine also increases the levels of the “feel good” dopamine, a chemical messenger in our brain, activating the pleasure centers of the brain. This increase in dopamine may be behind caffeine addiction.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 3: Receive your results online